Increase in Holiday Gift Card Scams

A recent survey revealed that around 60% of Americans received gift cards during the last holiday season, but many delayed using them until after Valentine's Day. WalletHub ranked Target, Amazon, and Sephora as the top gift cards to buy this season, while MasterCard and Smoothie King were rated lowest. As online shopping grows, AI is playing a significant role in enhancing customer experiences, contributing to a projected 7.1% increase in online retail sales this holiday season. However, holiday shoppers should be vigilant against scams, particularly related to gift cards, as tampering incidents are on the rise. Law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau recommend checking the condition of gift cards before purchasing, as scams often involve card codes being removed and replaced without visible tampering. Consumers are advised to report any suspicious activity to authorities to avoid falling victim to these scams.